UWATEC Aladin Prime

[jim2386]

Hey everyone,

Still searching out new dive computers. My LDS suggested I look into Aladin Prime (I don't plan on doing 2 gas etc that the tec2g does). Does anyone have this computer and what do you like/not like about it?

Thanks,
Jim

[mislav]

It's a good, reliable computer with plenty of features. It's also very intuitive and easy to use so I often recommend it to new divers looking for a good dive computer. It can be set from being liberal to being conservative, supports downloading logged dives to a home PC (or Mac), has backlight for night and cave dives, user replaceable battery...

When I was deciding on my purchase I went for a pricier Aladin Tec only because it had some extra functions regarding altitude diving. In case you'll be diving on higher altitudes I suggest you go for Tec2G. If not - I know people who dive with Prime and are just as happy with their computer as I am with my Tec.

You can google for online pdf manuals for it, download and read it before you decide on a purchase.

[Rogue_Diver]

I had one for two years. It worked well for most everything. It does all the regular stuff plus nitrox. It has great software to look at your dive profiles and is easy to download to a computer. I changed computers to go with a wrist mounted unit. I ended up with a Nitek, which does OK, but if I had to do it over again I would get a wrist mount tec2g. I did have a problem with the Aladdin one time. I sent it to Uwatec and they shipped me a new unit in about 3 weeks. Not super speedy, but they did take care of the problem.

[DeNomad]

I just got the Aladin Prime last week. It seems to do everything pretty well, I do reccomend reading the manual before buying to get an overview of how everything works. It is also pretty decent for altitude diving, the only difference between the Prime and the Tec is the Tec will show the altitude anytime you want whereas with the Prime it will only tell you when you switch between one of the five altitude ranges (0 being the lowest and 4 being the highest). I found this while driving back from the local dive site since I live at altitude.

IR devices used for computer sync are either pricey, or hard to find I've found so far. I am almost biting the bullet and buying the $40 Tekram IR device which is listed as compatible. The UWATEC IR device retails around $75 plus. Still, it's better than paying for $100 USB cable/software package.

But I still reccomend the computer, just read the manual. If you are interested in the Tec, just compare. Tec has more bells and whistles, but wasn't worth the extra dive money in my opinion.

[newjack06]

Hey everyone,

Still searching out new dive computers. My LDS suggested I look into Aladin Prime (I don't plan on doing 2 gas etc that the tec2g does). Does anyone have this computer and what do you like/not like about it?

Thanks,
Jim

it takes some getting used to, especially diving nitrox.

[Tigerman]

I have the Aladin Prime and the only thing I regret is not getting the Tec :p
I miss some altitude and freshwater settings since I currenly live at a height thats bordering altitude diving and alas, the water is fresh.

As far as the infrared goes, you dont need a very expencive device to use it. I bought a $20 USB irda port and it works like a charm (in both vista and XP, just like the software that came with the computer).
irda is a standard, no need for some expensive branded device. If you plan to use it with a laptop you might have all you need on the computer already..

[DeNomad]

Really? Where did you buy your IR device - I can't find one anywhere in all of Edmonton. No one sells them here, so I was going to order off ebay or the net.

[Dazzler]

I have the Aladin Prime and the only thing I regret is not getting the Tec :p
I miss some altitude and freshwater settings since I currenly live at a height thats bordering altitude diving and alas, the water is fresh.

As far as the infrared goes, you dont need a very expencive device to use it. I bought a $20 USB irda port and it works like a charm (in both vista and XP, just like the software that came with the computer).
irda is a standard, no need for some expensive branded device. If you plan to use it with a laptop you might have all you need on the computer already..

THIS IS MY FIRST COMPUTER AS RECOMMENDED BY MY LDS. SO FAR IT HAS LIVED UP TO ALL EXPECTATIONS. DIVE DOWNLOADS TO MY LAPTOP AT 4 SEC INTERVALS ARE GREAT FOR EVALUATING MY DIVE AFTERWARDS. I ALSO JUST BOUGHT A CHEAP USB IRDA DEVICE AND IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM.

[Tigerman]

I bought it off a large Norwegian webshop that ive spent far too money at :p
If it helps it was a SDM USB IrDA Dongle.

THIS IS MY FIRST COMPUTER AS RECOMMENDED BY MY LDS. SO FAR IT HAS LIVED UP TO ALL EXPECTATIONS. DIVE DOWNLOADS TO MY LAPTOP AT 4 SEC INTERVALS ARE GREAT FOR EVALUATING MY DIVE AFTERWARDS. I ALSO JUST BOUGHT A CHEAP USB IRDA DEVICE AND IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM.

Yep, it works very nice doesnt it? Its just me that would like the extra altitude and freshwater stuff from the more advanced model. The software for the computer is nice and easy to use and gives some real nice information, for example those red areas on my ascents that im trying to weed out further :p

[johnnyseko]

As far as the IR adapter goes, I got mine for @$20. If you do a search here, there is a discussion about which one to get.

Problem with my aladin tec was the IR stopped working. There was a thread about this some time ago on SB. I loved this computer and would like to have it back. I sent it back to Scubatoys back in March under warranty and haven't heard a thing since....no replys to my emails.....I've gotta give them a call.